In many states schools are either back in session or about to begin. Keep a watchful eye out for children as they walk, ride or bike to school. As motorists we are to obey all traffic laws and speed limits at all times, especially in and around school zones. As adults we must educate our children on safe traveling to and from school.
Please practice and reinforce the following safety tips with children to keep them safe.
Walking to School
:
Choose the safest route from your home to school and walk the route with your child.
Children under 10 should walk with an older child or adult, never alone.
Teach children what the traffic signals and signs mean and to obey them. Be a good role model.
Teach children the proper place and way to cross the street, i.e. look both ways before crossing at intersections and never cross in between parked vehicles. Darting into the street between parked vehicles accounts for 50 to 70 percent of pedestrian injuries in children age 9 and under.
Children should be taught to mind the school crossing guard.
Biking to School
:
Children should always wear a helmet that meets one of the safety standards (U.S. CPSC, Snell, ANSI, ASTM or Canadian). A helmet can reduce head injury by up to 85 percent!
If a scooter is used, sturdy shoes, knee & elbow pads and a helmet should be worn. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises children under 12 should not ride motorized scooters.
Teach children to walk bikes across the street, don’t ride.
Children should wear reflective clothing.
Teach children to obey traffic signals and school crossing guards just like a pedestrian.
Riding the Bus
:
Teach children to wait for the bus in a safe location.
Teach children to stand back from the curbing at least 10 feet until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals it is okay to board the bus.
Teach children that when exiting the bus, take ten giant steps away from the bus to provide a safe distance between you and the bus. If crossing the street to get to the bus, walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus so the driver can see the pedestrian. There is 10 feet of blind spot extending out from the bus.
Make sure children know to NEVER cross behind a bus!
The picture below shows the danger zones surrounding a bus.
Don’t get caught in the danger zone! Stay in
the
SAFE zone!
For more information on reducing risk or any of our other services, please contact Jeff Harrison at jeff.harrison@cbservices.org or 800.807.0300 ext 2543